Disney Theatrical Productions originally developed Newsies, based on the film of the same name, for licensing in response to requests from professional and amateur theatre groups, and Paper Mill Playhouse hosted its four-week pilot production in summer 2011. Audience response to that production prompted a transfer to Broadway for a limited run. Following strong ticket demand and numerous awards, the musical transitioned into an open-ended run.

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"From our first performance, we have been humbled by the spontaneous and genuine outpouring of affection from fans and the theatre community alike," said Thomas Schumacher, president and producer, Disney Theatrical Productions in a recent statement. "Alan and Jack's tuneful, rousing score, Harvey's timely book, Chris's muscular choreography and Jeff's cinematic staging merged seamlessly to become a glorious work in the proudly classic Broadway tradition. When our tour launches in October, I'm thrilled that audiences across North America will be able to experience the adrenaline rush that is Newsies."

"Set in New York City at the turn of the century," Newsies, press notes state, "is the rousing tale of Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy and leader of a ragged band of teenaged ‘newsies,’ who dreams only of a better life far from the hardship of the streets. But when publishing titans Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst raise distribution prices at the newsboys’ expense, Jack finds a cause to fight for and rallies newsies from across the city to strike for what’s right."

Newsies features a Tony Award-winning score with music by eight-time Academy Award winner Alan Menken and lyrics by Jack Feldman, with a book by four-time Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein. Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions, Newsies is directed by Tony nominee Jeff Calhoun and choreographed by Christopher Gattelli, who won a 2012 Tony Award for his work.

The Newsies North American tour launches in October and will play 25 cities over 43 weeks during the 2014-15 season. For itinerary and ticket information, visit NewsiesTheMusical.com/Tour, Facebook.com/Newsies and Twitter.com/Newsies.